Fiscal and educational accountability is a thorn in the side of those who defend the status quo in education. They use various mediums and monuments as part of their strategies to pacify parents/taxpayers.
To the consternation of the school districts and of the school boards, people can gather accurate information from sources outside the public relations machine.
The schools, the state and federal governments have records available for review. Right to Know and Sunshine Laws provide assistance with citizen requests.
Private organizations offer even more volumes of detailed information about the school districts.
The most recent source, the National Council on Teacher Quality has a “new database giving unprecedented access into the contents of collective bargaining agreements and school board policies from the nation's 50 largest school districts”.
Selecting a few of the districts on their database offers interesting salary comparisons.
Philadelphia School District;
Top Salary: $65,322.
Chicago School District:
Top Salary: $68,261
Florida – Dade County School District:
Top Salary: $67,225
Texas – Dallas School District:
Top Salary: $64,782
Oley Valley School District:
Contract 2006-2007:
Top Salary: $74,370
Contract 2009-2010:
Top Salary: $80,070
The College Board published SAT scores by state in 2004. Iowa scored the highest mean Verbal and Math score of 1182. The average teacher salary in Iowa is $39,284.
The Oley Valley School District Verbal and Math score in 2006 was 1053. The average Oley Valley School District Teacher Salary is approximately $53,000.
Families are able to compare budgets and test performance of their district to those in the state and the nation. They have the ability to determine which system gives their children a quality education at an affordable price.
This is good news for those who want improvement and bad news for obstructionists.
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«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 373 of 373Who gave them gifts? Article 3 Sec. 327 of the Pennsylvania School Code prohibits board members from accepting ANY gift (no matter how small) from any teacher (or the teacher's union) or any other employee of the district (which includes administators).
RS each of our schools gave the board gifts and the administrators, i.e. Dr. Zackon gave them coffee mugs. Their was a gift bag for each one and other gifts from the each school building. No lie. It was January school board notice I am great month. And of course we need to thank them for raising our taxes and for yelling at us at board meetings and for buying big ticket non-educational items. I heard for your info that Dr. Zackon wants lap tops for all the students. That will be trouble if each student gets a computer. We have enough computers in the schools now. Let the parents buy them one for college. They do not need them in HS. Not one for each student. Thats nuts.
I would think that after the fiasco with the laptops at Kutztown this board will proceed very carefully before voting for them at Oley.
Whether the gifts were mugs, gift bags, pencils or whatever it still violates the Pa. School Code. I would bet that none of the board members are even aware of that section in the code. Why have laws and codes if we only obey those we like or those we choose?
Board members are prohibited from accepting gifts? Wow, didn't know that one. Does that mean if one of the most ignorant board members Oley has ever been stuck with....would quit....the board would not be able to accept that ...as a GIFT?
Is it true that when the board runs out of time for questions or comments, but a board member insists on being allowed to speak and read his composition, he or she will be granted permission to read his/her words of wisdom, if, and only if, they ask the President realy nice, and promise to be ever so good, and eat all of their vegetables, and look both ways before they cross the street, they will then be granted permission by the Grand Poobah to break the rules set for FOR ALL OTHERS, and do as they please?
What is this, the Oley Valley
or
the Sleepy Valley?
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
"The everyday taxpayers need to go to these meetings."
The everyday taxpayers are a special interest group too, but they rarely show up, then complain that no one is listening to them. Where were they last Weds.?
Are the board members who vote YES or NO to "special interests" looking to get re-elected?
You're giving us double-talk.
The only way football will get passed is if Mr. Heckman feels like he will not win in May. Gotwals will vote yes, Bieber is not running again as that is what she said, Cappa who knows, Mederia who knows. Cappa already said he will not vote for football. Special interest groups are the ones that came to the meeting last Wednesday. They did not ask and do not care to ask any important questions regarding education. They are only interested at this time for football. Track people are also the ones showing up to meetings only in regards to the new track that is it.
It is not fair to compare little old taxpayers to "special interest" groups. I don't hear these folks asking FOR the school to SPEND ANYTHING ON THEM. They just ask and sometimes beg for the school to let them a little something to live on. Is that too much to ask?
There is no comparison between people asking to have something left to live on and a bunch of greedy wannabes that demand everyone provide sports as a means to pay for their kids college educations through possible scholarships. That's not the taxpayers responsibility -- that's the parents job!
Stop expecting everyone else to pay for all the extra things the parents should pay for individually for their children. Good education is one thing. It has come down to greed, and the people making the demands actually insult the very people that they expect to pick up their tab and have been for a very long time. Enough is enough!
The February meeting is when the do-do will hit the fan, and we'll see (by the votes) who puts the entire taxpaying community or special interests first.
It probably won't be a surprise based on past experience. It's a crying shame our society has come to this.
To Blogger 1:59:
I am an everyday taxpayer and YES I have been to almost every board meeting for the past two years.
Where are YOU? Why don't you put your money where your mouth seems to be?
We are special alright! We are the concern citizens of this valley and we are here for all the people not just 100 or less. There are alot of concern citizens that just cannot come to meetings as they are working night shift, have a family to take care of and maybe they have been to a meeting before and it makes them sick seeing the circus that this board runs.
Maybe people don't attend meetings anymore because it doesn't do any good anyway. If you aren't in the clique, you don't count. Nothing you say matters.
If someone has any kind of conscience and concern for all the people they wouldn't need a mob scene to do what's right. Mob scene or not, they do what they want and don't care.
If anyone is looking for the term that applies to the school board meetings, here it is:
PECULIAR
That about sums it up. There is no welcome mat. There is no feeling of community involvement. The general public is made to feel as if they've interrupted something just by being in attendance. Until the citizens which elect our board members begin to pay attention to the person behind the name, we can only expect more of the same.
Thats right the board does not care if there is 100+ people or 1 person at the meetings they do what they want. Break sunshine laws all the time, treat the people like dirt that come to the meetings. God forbid you ask a question or have a concern you need them to help you with! You then become the "dark side". I am sure they have a name for the football people.
When the board considers voting on football, they will have to look at a few things:
What are the costs?
What are the benefits?
How much interest is there?
How much opposition is there?
By the looks of the newspaper report, about 100 football supporters were at the last meeting.
A few people spoke against football. Were there 100 people there in support of them? The board will have to consider what is best for the district, and what is the will of the people.
Judging by the attendance, phone calls, letters, emails, and conversations with constituants, board members will form an opinion.
There are over 8,000 registered voters in the OVSD. Even if its a 50-50 split on the topic of football, and if only 2% attend to show support, there should be over 150 people at the meetings.
There is an informal board/community meeting TONIGHT. What show of support will they see?
Maybe opposition to football exists only in the imagination of a few. What does the public really say?
"The board will have to consider what is best for the district, and what is the will of the people."
If the footballers are so sure about their support, why not put the issue on a referendum.
Question:
Do you want to pay higher school property taxes for football?
Because that's not how our system works, nor is it the purpose of referrendum. Board members were elected/re-elected to make those decisions. Remember, this is a representative government. We don't get to vote on every issue at the local, state, or federal level. Be careful who you elect!
Our illustrious Governor gave us referrendum in the case of budget spending over a certain index(and all the exemptions), not for a topic or issue.
Some more referendum Questions:
Do you want to force more families from their homes to pay for football?
Which programs should the district cut to pay for football?
Viewing referendum as the holy grail displays a lack of understanding.
There were probably at least 300 people at the board meeting ("OVER 100" according to the news).
Some of you wanted or needed information on the football team cost:
The athletic directors’ report of costs for other schools ($104,000) included around $20,000 for field maintenance and $20,000 for an athletic director which were not specifically related to the football program. The actual additional cost of the full football program at Oley would be around $70,000. a year. The other numbers, including the $12,000 mentioned, are for the first 2 years during which the alliance covers much of the cost. However this is just for the initial, junior high program. It was also mentioned that, according to their numbers, only about 12 out of 36 proposed high school players would probably be new athletes. The rest would be drawn from other sports or activities. $70,000 to add 12 children to our athletic program is $5500.00 for each. This is over 10 times the average cost for other sports. $70,000 even for the full 36 is still too much.
They do have an excellent program for younger players which they are apparently willing to keep funding. I don’t understand why they think that would fail if there is no high school program to move up to.
As the 2:18 blogger stated, I will not be at the next meeting when this may come up again, and I did not want to be mistaken as being in support of the proposal. My opposition has nothing to do with the program itself, except for a concern with the high incidence of concussions (10% a year) in football.
I think football at this time and at this cost is a luxury and not a necessity. Any money for football will have to be taken from something else. I can’t justify the cost of the full program regardless of how well the less expensive pilot succeeds.
I did suggest a referendum in November and would be willing to vote for football, if the community wants to pay for it. A referendum in May, when very few people bother to vote, would be skewed by the high turnout of supporters and not a fair indicator of community support.
I also mentioned that the repeated promises of retaliation for a “no” vote at the polls seemed to me to be an attempt at bullying and would not change my mind. One reminder or two is a notice of political power. More than that becomes a threat intended to intimidate.
"Viewing referendum as the holy grail displays a lack of understanding."
Those afraid to present their agenda to the voters only confirms they do not have the support of the community.
School referendums can be, and are, put on ballots for many different issues. Many school districts put initiatives on the ballot for new construction or other issues that will call for higher than normal expenditures. Any issue, though, legally can be put to the voters for approval. If a board is deadlocked or split over an issue and the community likewise is divided it is actually a good idea to take the issue to referendum.
I would like to see both the track issue and the football program put on the ballot because, to me, they both fit the above criteria: the proposed expenditure is large, the board seems spit and so does the community. It could be a binding referendum or it could be non-binding. If it was non-binding at least the board, then, would have a real sense of what the community wanted.
2;23 SAID
"This meeting was as nasty as others I have witnessed. I am glad I was not attacked like usual."
WHO ARE YOU that you get regularly attacked? you must be on the board since they are the only ones who that fits. The other self described victims consider themselves attacked when someone disagrees with them.
Another exagerrater, 5:09 SAID
"Meetings like the one we witnessed last Wednesday can take years off your life. When you have a good feeling things will go one way and then zap things changed a totally different way. This board gets great joy of causing pain on others they do it all the time."
years off your life? pain? what meeting were you at? were you having a bad dream?
2:08 complained that members keep secrets :"Isn't it great living in a communist country? The big wigs make all of the decisions for us, as if we had no brain and no right to know what they have up their sleeves."
But then 5:05 SAID:
"He just said a whole bunch of other stuff to get the people more angry which was terrible."
So which is it, do they keep secrets or speak their minds? Either way they get slammed.
reruns of an old tv show...
wecome back cappa....
they do keep secrets but Cappa likes to open his big mouth.....
I don't know that the board is divided over either the track or football items. They haven't had a chance to discuss them yet. With a board of nine, there can be no stalemate. Voter number nine would be the tie-breaker.
That's great if there were over 300 in attendance last week! How many were in support of the taxpayers who spoke opposed to football in Oley? And how many there in support of football?
60/40?
70/30?
90/10?
You only need 5 board members to vote anything in. You do not need 9 board members for football or the track to get passed. We sometimes only have a few members voting on the $25+ million budget. Sometmes all of the board are not there. On big votes like the track,football and the budget ALL the board members should vote. If they run for this position they should be at the meetings, not vacation. There are other days in the month for that.
Assuming that the meetings which involve voting...which should all be considered important...are known well in advance, why is it permissable, or even tolerated, that members of the board are missing from the meeting? Although anyone can face an unexpected emergency in their family, a ski vacation is not an emergency, nor is it unforeseen. Yet, time & time again, one person or another is absent. Going to another state to assist flood victims is commendable, too, if you've got all your bases covered on the homefront. Sending your child, however, is not what the taxpayers expect or appreciate. The child did not run for public office, the parent did.
On another note, why is it that some board members look like they're miles away from the board room, even when they are sitting at the table?
Yes, we realize that nobody's perfect, even on the board. We also realize that spending $25,000,000 and change takes a little more effort and concentration than a half-hearted board and/or arrogant answers to the few questions that are asked and actually addressed by the board. Bait and switch is for shady business, not for school boards. You don't have to be a religious fanatic to follow the Golden Rule, or what's good for the entire community.
Going on a trip with your husbands company during budget voting, teacher contract voting or anything else big should not take place. You can meet up with him Thursday. Wednesdays should be cleared unless there is an emergency.
Correction: Five yes votes are needed to pass a motion. Only a few rare items need a 2/3 vote.
If everything is put on referendum, we don't need a board. But then business could only be conducted in May and Nov.
MONKEY BUSINESS THE OTHER 10 MONTHS!
5 YES VOTES ARE NEEDED TO PASS A MOTION! SO WHY DO WE ELECT 9 BOARD MEMBERS? YOU ARE SAYING 4 DO NOT HAVE TO SHOW UP AND VOTE. THE RIGHT THING TO DO IS TO COME TO THE MEETINGS AND VOTE. IF YOU CARE ABOUT THIS DISTRICT LIKE YOU SAY YOU DO SHOW UP AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THIS COMMUNITY. STOP BS'ING THE ISSUES.
Nowhere did I say "everything" should be put on referendum. There are some rare instances, though, where I believe referendum is beneficial. For instance, the referendum to adopt or reject Act 1 will be on the ballot in May. Therefore the people get to vote what kind of tax structure they will want. Is that a bad idea? I also, as I stated previously, think the football question should be put on a ballot initiative. That's just my opinion. We are allowed to have one aren't we?
Yes, we're still allowed to have an opinion! And we should thank Al Jacobs for allowing EVERYONE'S opinions to appear on this blog. This blog is not perfect, but it's certainly way ahead of the way the board runs things. Or should I say Zackon?
Let us all pray for our state of the union. Pray for our Armed Services.
We can never forget!!! We seem to not be thinking what really is important to the children of our nation. That is love, safety, learning, praying. They are our future. We need to get back on track of the issues that will benefit the children.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND IS NEEDED TO GO INTO LAW AGAIN. LETS HOPE WASHINGTON,D.C. VOTES THIS IN AGAIN.
No one is saying that 4 don't have to show up to vote! You are blinded by anger.
Six representatives of the Football Alliance and one opposed participated in the hour-long meeting with the board last night. Good discussion!
OCC was not there.
Go Oley Football!
Special interest group shows up last night regarding football and we are supposed to come and listen to this high priced non-educational program they want? Come on people, when are you going to realize that we have been trying for years to keep this board held accountable and look the state put controls over all the districts spending. Football is not a mandated item from the state. Also why does this district have these meetings when we go to board meetings to ask questions? They allow you to speak when no newspapers reporters are there but you cannot speak at the regular meetings! No thank you I rather spend time with my loved ones then deal with the circus.
Many times when the budget, teacher contract etc. was up for a vote we only had the 5 mandatory board members to pass. All should show up at all times! Anger you do not know what anger is! Stay tuned! Have a lovely day and may God Bless and forgive you, after all nobody is perfect.
"Many times when the budget, teachers contract etc. was up for a vote we only had the five mandatory board members to pass."
I don't recall any budget or teacher contract that only received five votes to pass. Also, since six members must be present to make a quorum no votes can even be taken with only five members present. If I am misinterpreting what you wrote, though, I apologize.
TO
Anonymous WHO said...
Six representatives of the Football Alliance and one opposed participated in the hour-long meeting with the board last night. Good discussion!
OCC was not there.
Go Oley Football!
8:35 AM
I guess we need to have a little history lesson here. Over the past 15 years, there have been occasions when more than 300 concerned taxpayers showed up for school board meetings, presenting more than 1400 names on petitions to the board, demanding more fiscal responsibility, to no avail. They were treated with condescension, contempt and worse. This is essentially the concerned citizens group base.
Where are the football folks 1400 signatures?
The general taxpayers have tired of the process, which NEVER responds to the needs of the regular taxpayer for the demands of those who will never be satisfied with what is provided through a GOVERNMENT school. Some people just need to pay for their chldren to go to private schools where they will have every sport, course, class and priviledge that only PRIVATE money SHOULD buy.
Please don't insult the fine people without whom this system could not work. It has come to the point that those who demand without limit are killing the golden goose. Within the next five years, I and others predict a mass exodus of people from this community and state who have worked and sacrificed to save to actually have considerable net worth, and are sick of everyone else thinking they deserve a piece of it. Believe me, when they sell their homes here and all over PA, they will also take their assets with them.
The people with the insatiable appetites for more and more and more at EVERYONE ELSE'S expense will soon be the only ones around here.
Your prediction of the "regular taxpayers" packing their bags and taking their money with them is interesting. I'm just curious where exactly you think they are going to go - its not much different anywhere else except maybe Alaska.
Hey Russ, since you have left this board things have gotten alot worse. Yes I have seen board members out on vacation at a time when important votes are being taken. The bottom line is that the current board and future boards should do their very best to show up at the meetings. The people put them into office for a reason. We should have all 9 board members voting of very important issues. We need to know what they are thinking through their vote. Sometimes, (most of the time) we are in complete shock of what we are hearing but then again this is Oley and anything goes.
The regular hard working taxpayers and the ones that have worked forever to pay for special interest non-mandated items and are sick and tired of it. They will take their money whatever they have left and move to a nice community were the people are nice and the taxes are low. There are such places besides Alaska. PA is not one of them. People around here could care less if you cannot pay for what they think they deserve. Pay up and shut up thats the tune around here, maybe that should be the new school motto.
Oh, nice people, low taxes. What are we still doing h-e-r-e? Won't you take me to Shangri-La with you!
NO, then you would ruin that place too.
Lets lower the individual households taxes. Lets get on all four townships in the school district to promote some reasonable employers to locate in the valley. Otherwise, all of the valley's farmer's will be selling out to greth homes. If we get a few employers here, maybe the products we are paying to educate will be able to make a living here, and decide to stay here, and not run away to the low tax nice people, where ever that is?
LB Said
...meetings, presenting more than 1400 names on petitions to the board, demanding more fiscal responsibility, to no avail. They were treated with condescension, contempt and worse. This is essentially the concerned citizens group base.
Where are the football folks 1400 signatures?...
LB - that is a great question and observation. I guess the only response would be that we learned from previous individuals' failed efforts, and did not pursue a petition.
Just look at the research folks. There's lots of it out their. Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Florida are more tax friendly states. But, there are a lot more out of the way counties in other states where taxes are very low.
Available research substantiates that recent college graduates and "Net Worth People" are leaving places like PA. Hey!, even Pennsylvania's former Secretary of Economic Development under Gov. Ridge, Sam McCullough, sold his Wyomissing mini-estate and went to North Carolina. When the big boys start bailing, you better start taking notice.
Maybe he just likes warmer weather to play golf year-round.
Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, N.& S. Carolina, Florida - see there are lots of nice, friendly, warm places with low taxes to move to. So why are we still h-e-r-e?
IN RESPONSE TO:
"LB Said
that is a great question and observation. I guess the only response would be that we learned from previous individuals' failed efforts, and did not pursue a petition.
1:06 PM"
My comments about the 1400 signatures WERE IN RESPONSE TO concerned citizens being CHASTISED for not coming to meetings. IT WAS AN ILLUSTRATION OF WHY taxpayers don't waste their time, breath or gasoline for school board meetings anymore. The 1400 signatures was an ILLUSTRATION that the concerned citizens DO HAVE that much support ... WE GOT 300 people at meetings vs. pro football's 100. PLUS, we gathered 1400 signatures to reinforce our viewpoint.
And one has to wonder about the level of Reading Comprehension on here by some. It seems that the above blogger, with whom I do agree -- was also SHOWING AN EXAMPLE re. Sam McCullough leaving PA -- & MASS EXODUS OF HIS KIND OF PEOPLE.
Well, we are on our way out of the state. We have an agreement on a home in another state, and are only waiting until our home here is sold to move. This will surely please a great many concerned citizen bashers.
However, number of interested parties have children, which will make our property AN EXPENSE to the school district, where before we only paid in and took nothing as we never had children in the District. Do the math.
LB, I truly apologize if I misinterpreted your comments. I have read many of your previous postings and value your input. On the topic of football I disagree with you.
On a side note, I was wondering why there is not an outrage for middle school volleyball for GIRLS, yet, to offer a program to the boys in the district is an almost taboo. Is it merely the dollars involved, is it a sediment against the thought of football, or is it something other than that?
Again, in no way am I trying to be disrespectful to LB, because in the past her comments have been enlightening, and furthermore, I do not know here, making it inappropriate to be disrespectful to her. However, on this matter, I truly do disagree with her.
LB:
You certainly have lots of catagories for folks
Newcomers
Regular Taxpayers
Little People
and most recently
His Kind of People
Re: young families with children buying homes (oh no!)
There will always be fluctuations in the housing market, household make up, etc. This argument is as flawed as humans causing global warming. Are you one of those "glass half empty" people?
There is no MS boys volleyball program in the county, you wouldn't know that LB probably couldn't answer that question.
You are very polite though.
As to groups of people, there ARE classifications of people groups, so what's the issue? At least I haven't called anybody the "dark side."
As to football vs. volley ball. Football is a new program and requires new equipment, coaches, liability insurance, playing field, bleechers, lights, etc. -- none of which Volley Ball requires, whether its for boys or girls. Since I've never been a feminist (just a Miss, Mrs. and a businesswoman), the idea of favoring boys over girls isn't an issue with me.
Volley Ball is the extension of an "existing" program vs. an entirely NEW much more costly program per year (not per student).
Guess I'll stop participating for awhile. Instead of people addressing the "issues" they parse words like a bunch of smart alecks. Bye for awhile.
Thanks for the memories.
The "Dark Side" again. I was told that name was coined by none other than RS. Is that true Russ?
On a more serious note: where has Al been with all this about football? How are we supposed to know what to think without him telling us? He was awfully quiet at the one meeting, and didn't even show up with his 1400 followers at the last one. Has he abandoned us and gone back to heaven, or is he on vacation at this critical time, or is he intimidated by masses of people with a different agenda? Somebody please answer.
"circus" must be the magic word of the week, every dolt in town is using it.
RS commented on
"Many times when the budget, teachers contract etc. was up for a vote we only had the five mandatory board members to pass."
RS said "I don't recall any budget or teacher contract that only received five votes to pass. Also, since six members must be present to make a quorum..."
And you're right, Russ. But when did you start expecting truth, justice and the American way, or even a little bit of reason and sense from your pack mates?
With various committee meetings often during 3 of the 4 weeks in a month it's hard to take off anytime without missing something. Plus, a single vote is only important in a close vote. If the outcome is certain, what difference does it make. Of course, it does give those who are too busy to do anything but complain, something else to gripe about.
Welcome to Oley?
Not really.
lb, I think you got 30 people at a meeting many of them from out of town, compared to over 300 for the football alliance. But you weren't there either. Were you plotting and planning with Al how to destroy the public school system so you could get everybody vouchers to go to Christian or Wicccan or KKK schools where they all do great because they're not tested?
please DON'T take this site as representative of Oley. Most of us are much less self-important and righteous and can even smile occasionally.
2:43 PM said
"Again, in no way am I trying to be disrespectful to LB, because in the past her comments have been enlightening, and furthermore, I do not know here, making it inappropriate to be disrespectful to her. However, on this matter, I truly do disagree with her."
I truly do hope she didn't hit you with a lightning bolt before she read your abject apology.
"Enlightening"?
Last night's meeting was a feel-good meeting.
They want the community to feel free and come out and ask them questions.
Does anyone really think any questions regarding the Middle School lawsuit or Nextel proposal would have been answered?
This meeting was to get a feel for re-election.
Pity that most do not understand.
Dear Football folks:
I again repeat that had the school district been fiscally responsibly run for the past 7 or so years, the money might have been there for this sport.
You have to understand that this is all tied together.
Ask Dr. Zackon why he has to have the most expensive conference table in his office, and the most expensive chairs, and the best of everything. I understand that when he became superintendent he needed to redo the entire office.
He spends more time driving around Oley doing PR than he does running the school district.
If he only had to punch a time clock.
Why is everyone against the school disrrict having to be fiscally responsible?
It would seem that that would be the only way to run a school district. Just like you would a business.
Why do certain people have issues with this.
I hope someone answers this question.
Hmmm, It seems LB has touched a few nerves. Why trash her like that? Debate, folks. We are here for debate. Point of order, people bashers.
Grow up.
Wiccan school vouchers? Well, that would be interesting. And, if they offered football, I bet they'd see to it that they won every game!
"Anonymous said...
lb, I think you got 30 people at a meeting many of them from out of town, compared to over 300 for the football alliance."
Hey Pal, you're the one who doesn't know what you're talking about. The 300 taxpayers and 1400 signatures was at a meeting in the cafeteria several years back. Barbara Frey gave the signatures to the board. Get your facts straight before you go off on everyone else that does.
The other stuff about the kinds of schools is too stupid to warrant more of a response.
"sediment" against ?
Sediment is dirt, did you mean dirt.
Or did you mean sentiment?
Feel free to get serious about our school problems. Whether we like it or not, Oley is in trouble. We don't care if other schools are the same or worse, because we don't live there. We live here, and would like a good education for our children. Real concerned citizens will not be pushed away or silenced by know-it-all bloggers, "wealthy" board members, or Adolph Heckman.
"But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work."
2 Chronicles 15:7 NASB
"Use the brain God gave you.."
2nd Oleyinthians
3:1 WTHU
lb...
Did you ever think of change as a good thing? Or do you also believe that change is a "dirty" word because that would require new thinking?
As for football...it is time for a change. I learned more from playing sports than from school itself. There is something called teamwork, cooperation, attitude, desire and EFFORT...all taught through organized sports. Because the PSSA tests are so important to our great politicians...teachers and students are hurting. Learning is teaching to a test anymore. There is rarely fun (yes...learning is supposed to be fun)...no teaching of teamwork...effort...etc. WHY? because teaching students how to take tests is shoved down the teacher's throats.
How many "tests" have you sat down and taken in the real world?
Therefore sports is where these major lessons should be taught.
Football would be yet another sport that would help with this...sometimes it is that one sport that will make a difference in a child's life.
As my friends were all out partying...I was trying to figure out what I was going to do to better myself...A LESSON TAUGHT BY MY HS FOOTBALL, FIELD HOCKEY AND SOFTBALL COACHES. Thank God they believed in change!!!
"Adolph Heckman" you are being nice.
Why are the questions the past 24 hours directed at LB? Give the lady a break! She has been trying to make a better system since the early 90's. She has seen family members go through the system. She wants the board to be held accountable and fiscally responsible. What is wrong with that? Education must come first. We do not have big companies in this district to offset the football, track and all the other feel good programs you people want. There are other districts in this county that have what you are looking for in the way of sports. MOVE! The township does not big business in here then we stick to the basics. Reading, Writing and Math, which we are lacking teaching in this school district. Just look at the test scores. We need to do alot better then the current status quo! If you cannot understand the basics, football will not get you through college and in life.
Tell that the Terrell Owens..BWauahajaja
That's right, if we only had football everything would be wonderful in the Oley Valley School District. Students would be scholars, they would be leaders, they would all get along and all test scores would magically go through the roof. Isn't that how it went in Fleetwood and Kutztown?
Why do you need the school, or football, to teach your child teamwork, effort, attitude, desire or cooperation? Just what in the world do you think is your responsibility as a parent? Learning begins and ends at home.
Oh and TO is a great roll model! Cut me a break! He might have money but he does not have much brains! Go crazy for football in Oley all you want. I know of alot of people in Fleetwood that are sorry football even started there. They have not one a game since 2000 when it started. The farmer boys belong on the farm. Soccer is a great sport, baseball is great, bowling is great, basketball is great, wrestling is great, SEE WE HAVE PLENTY OF SPORTS FOR THE BOYS OF OLEY!! And of course we have track and field which is great so we do not need anymore sports at this time. I hope you do not let your child or children watch much of TO he is not good for them. Did you ever see him with that girl when she slips off her towel on TV? That is no something I would let my child see. He has zero morals. Good Night and Gob Bless!
We got football now every child is at the proficient level on the state tests! Wow it is like magic.
Thats it, get hit in the head with a football helmet on and all the smarts start coming!!
"The farmer boys belong on the farm. Soccer is a great sport, baseball is great, bowling is great, basketball is great, wrestling is great, SEE WE HAVE PLENTY OF SPORTS FOR THE BOYS OF OLEY!!"
What farmer boys? All 5 of them that are left! Soccer is a great sport??? Have you ever watched a game that your child, etc. was not in. Most of us would say no because it is not exciting.
Basketball - I god blesses you with being tall, it is a wonderful sport.
Basebal is a great game, Wrestling, few people understand. I won't comment on bowling. I love bowling, but that is because I am at the appropriate age to like it as a sport, 40+
You should spell God with a capital "G", it's a sign of reverence and respect. :)
:) is back! God should always be spelled with a big G. Wow we agree on something. What about football in Oley? What do you think?
What about football in Oley?
:(
There's only one real problem with football in Oley.
Money.
Skip the other little items, and cut to the mustard. It's lack of funds, and it's as simple as that. To afford football uniforms, coaches, insurance, stadiums, lights, restrooms, and all the other things that go hand in hand with it, something else has to go, or taxes get raised. Selling hotdogs and Cokes won't quite cover the expenses. Since nobody wants higher taxes and none of the others sports should get shut down to accomodate football, how about asking the teachers how they feel about it? Maybe they can give up some of their perks...FOR THE KIDS!
LB:
Just glad I'm not YOUR KIND OF PEOPLE.
Saying mean things is so common in Oley. If by YOUR KIND OF PEOPLE you mean Christian then I'm sure LB would WANT you to be her kind of people.
We follow the Christian faith in our home, and try our best to follow the path God would like to see us on. For the most part, life around here is fine. But when we attend school board meetings, it is very hard to believe that the current members follow any religious practices. Not all of them, but some of them really put us to the test. In the olden days, we were taught to do unto others. I feel a refresher course would benefit many.
God bless our troops.
God bless our families.
God bless our teachers. They are supposed to teach our children, and influence them in ways that will be good for all mankind. Granted, many kids are putting the teachers to the test, as they do their parents.
God bless us, one and all.
Wow! That last entry was certainly judgemental....especially coming from a Christian. I surely hope other people don't decide whether or not I am a Christian. That's between each individual and God/Christ. I think I heard a verse that goes something like... "Let he who is without sin..." Come on folks, who's going to cast the first stone? Any takers?
Judgmental?
It was lovely.
God bless the Christian families.
Judgmental? I thought it was honest. Is honesty a problem now?
"...cast the first stone...?" It wasn't a stone they were planning on throwing, it was a football. And a mighty expensive football, at that.
Perhaps the saying could be updated and regionalized:
Let he (or she) who is withouth DEBT, cast the first football..."
The last blog was how the citizens of this district feel. We are in need to get these children of our district on the right track for their future. Football for 100+ kids is great but what about the other 2000 kids of our district. We have to many children falling through the cracks. For all the salaries floating around this district we are failing when it comes to basic education. If you cannot produce good students you should lose your job.
"...need to get these children of our district on the right track for their future."
Please try not to use the word "track" it's a bad word right now... (just kidding, folks!)
rs:
Never lose your sense of humor. So far, they have not figured out how to tax a sense of humor. But if they could, they would not make much on the general population.
In our house, we laugh on purpose! That's right, there's something funny almost everywhere we look. Thank GOD!
That is right we need to laugh every now and then, it is good for our health! Russ sorry I used that bad word! I'll try harder next time to be more sensitive to the eyes. Have a good weekend.
MS
That's right, folks - that's what the school board is all about...taxing as much as they can because they have a personal vendetta against all Oley citizens. Strange though, that they would want to tax themselves as well, don't you think? Get real!
P.S. God bless all the families, not just those who are Christian. Don't assume that the writer of this post is not a Christian.
I am a Christian;just not one who is judgemental.
Osama Bin Oley?
Why don't You get real. Reading so much into plain and simple comments, like praying for the troops. Back off the java.
"Why do you need the school, or football, to teach your child teamwork, effort, attitude, desire or cooperation? Just what in the world do you think is your responsibility as a parent? Learning begins and ends at home."
That's a good question...Have you been in the schools lately? Test scores are the least of the children's worries...How are they supposed to be taught teamwork, effort attitude cooperation etc. when mom and dad are too busy fighting...or when mom and dad are too busy meeting their needs...or mom and dad verbally/physically abuse their child? Oh...I forgot...that probably doesn't happen in Oley. If it didn't happen 10...20...100 years ago...it probably doesn't happen now. Oley NEVER changes...at least that's what most people want.
Oley is changing:
.....Except for the Oley Turnpike Dairy, where you can still go get hand dipped ice cream.
.....Except for the Legion Diner, where you can get a good old fashioned breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Hot and fatty and loaded with salt....which some people actually like.
.....Except for the churches..which welcome visitors and members alike.
.....Except for the two lane highways.....
.....Except for the Oley Fire Company...that is there for us throughout any and every emergency...THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
.....Except for the porches on Main Street...which shelter the residents and their friends nearly all year long...complete with rocking chairs, wicker tables, coffee, hot chocolate, iced tea...beautiful wreaths...and plenty of American Flags.
.....Except for the Post Office...where they know your first name when you go in for stamps.
.....Except for our school board...who think it's okay to tax all of the above groups out of what they love. If you enjoy any of the above features in Oley, then YOU need to make a change or two. Find the time to attend a few school board meetings and tell the board that you willingly pay your fair share of taxes but are no longer willing to give up any more of your hard earned money to a budget that favors expensive sports but drops the ball on test scores. If you can't make it to the meetings, then you certainly had better make it to the polls.
GO OLEY FOOTBALL...WE LOVE YOU AND YOUR DEDICATION IN MAKING THE PLAYERS BETTER ATHLETES AND STUDENTS (It's amazing how they also care about the academic end too!)
Amazing? Not the word we're looking for when it comes to adding a new sport and cutting goodness knows what?
Mr. Mathias had a letter to the editor published in Sunday's Reading Eagle that was somewhat on target.
However, I believe that Mr. Mathias is somewhat correct and somewhat incorrect.
I believe the issue of football is not one of wanting football or not wanting football in the Oley Valley, but an issue of exactly how it is going to be paid for.
The problem within the Oley Valley School District is one of FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY and it began with the hiring of our current superintendent. In his newly found surroundings, he quickly realized the power he had available to him and being a person who equates having the "best of everything" has put that burden on the taxpayers of the Oley School District.
This did not go unnoticed by the teachers and staff of this district, so in order to keep the troops happy, he then extended the taxpaying arm of this district to the teachers and staff, which then translates into the education of the children taking a back seat to all the wanton desires of the administration and staff.
No one wants to be outdone by not having the newest toys, the latest trend being the technology toy, so it is now before the school board to give each teacher a laptop to aid them with the educational needs of our children.
Being in a district where there is no policing of anything when it comes to administration or staff, exactly where do you think the laptops for teachers will lead? I believe we all know the answer to that question.
In Oley, they actually buy the secretaries' gifts (Chritmas) with the taxpayers money, and to boot, do not even have a vote on it.
My point in all this would be that taxpayer money is spent without abandon each and every day on things that have nothing to do with educating our children, and until the taxpayers request and go through the check runs to see exactly where this money is spent, our school districts will continue to cry "BROKE" and blame this LOCAL SPENDING on the state and federal governments. I challenge all the taxpayers of this COUNTY in all the school districts to begin demanding to see the inner workings of the school financials including the check runs, which incidentally are PUBLIC RECORDS, and trust me, need to be reviewed. The fate of the school districts lies with the local taxpayers within their district to hold their school administration to be FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE, and to prove the districts wrong in their effort to blame all of this on the state and federal government. I'm not saying the state and federal governments are perfect by any means, but school boards yield a HUGE AMOUNT OF POWER over their local taxpayers, and FOLKS, IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP!
Why is it that whenever anyone posts anything about being fiscally accountable, no one has anything to say?
HELLO!
Confirmation class was canceled this evening due to GUESS WHAT? - A NON-SCHOOL SPORTING EVENT!
SPORTS, SPORTS, SPORTS.
Feel-good, feel-good, feel-good!
"Why is it that whenever anyone posts anything about being fiscally accountable, no one has anything to say?
HELLO!
2:45 PM "
Do you mean they don't have anything constructive to say and just mouth the same charges tht they hear the other know-nothings spout?
"Hey Pal, you're the one who doesn't know what you're talking about. The 300 taxpayers and 1400 signatures was at a meeting in the cafeteria several years back. Barbara Frey gave the signatures to the board. Get your facts straight before you go off on everyone else that does."
And don't forget when they petitioned the king about the Townsend Acts or some such. How about something in the recent past that might mean something today?
"lb.. Were you plotting and planning with Al how to destroy the public school system so you could get everybody vouchers to go to Christian or Wicccan or KKK schools.."
Instead of sounding like a maniac, this occ basher should learn how to contribute in a postive manner to the postings.
welcome back smiley!! you're like a ray of sunshine-relatively writing.
"...A LESSON TAUGHT BY MY HS FOOTBALL, FIELD HOCKEY AND SOFTBALL COACHES. Thank God they believed in change!!!"
You're either a girl who played football (astounding!) or a guy who played field hockey (not so impressive). Or, first you were one and then you 'changed' to the other. Either way, more power to you but be careful of some of the sanctimonious, self-called Christians around here. They're much better at condemning then caring-bless their soles. Bless their souls too.
1:06 said
"exactly where do you think the laptops for teachers will lead? I believe we all know the answer to that question."
better teachers? laptops on ebay? lap dances? where will that lead?
Laptops for all of the students. Keeping up with the Jones's.
If the teachers don't already have their own laptops, I'd be very surprised. If they don't have them and suggest that they can't afford them, I'm both surprised and disappointed. From the sounds of things, they earn enough to have a laptop if they want one. A laptop, however, would probably not make them better teachers.
...first you were one, then changed to the "other?" I don't think this blog needs to go there.
Hey 4:13 what prayer do you say everyday? You are one of those got to have everything pro-boarders! Dr. Zackon is looking into laptops for all the students. We do not need them. The pssa will not get any better with them. Kutztown HS have had alot of trouble with the children and laptops. They are using them for everything but education.
"You're either a girl who played football (astounding!) or a guy who played field hockey (not so impressive). Or, first you were one and then you 'changed' to the other."
Did you ever think that I could be a girl that was heavily influenced by a great football coach (even though I never played)? Or aren't other coaches allowed to influence athletes? Oh, I forgot...that's probably too much of a change for Oley!
Hey, what about the question on whether or not the school district should be fiscally responsible?
Does anything think that they should not.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.
It is wrong to be fiscally responsible?
What is the people of this districts problem? Do you care at all what this board is doing to this school district and community? They are bringing it down! They must be held fiscally responsible! If they cannot do what they were elected to do then they must be replaced. If the administrators cannot be held accountable for the bad test scores we are all failing. In a business if you cannot produce you are fired. I care what this system is doing to the children and the citizens. DO YOU CARE? Let us here from you. We know you are reading this blog.
Many of us do care about fiscal responsibility and have worked for many years to defend sensible spending practices, while believing we need to care for the truly less fortunate. Unfortunately, it appears that from the Federal government level on down, a majority are living in la la land, thinking they can continue to spend more than people have the ability to pay.
We can talk about this until we're blue in the face. The problem is that more people than not will vote for someone who promises them anything that is paid for with other taxpayers money. It is the ruination of our country and way of life. It' has become a run away train. When we look at Oley, we are looking at a microcosm of society as a whole. Short of an act of God and people returning to basic principles over night, our form of government has run its cycle. Realistically, from here on, things are very bleak and will get worse. NOT because people in this country don't have enough of what they need. They are willing to bankrupt their childrens' future for their wants, and for empty politically correct promises.
Our schools teach more about Africa than U.S. History and the defining principles on which our government was designed. The citizens of this community and country have no one to blame but themselves because of greed, complacency, and cowardice to do the right thing in the face of evil.
The ones who have fought and continue to fight for common sense and decency are derided, and our numbers are dwindling. Every new generation seems to get further away from reason, and more self-centered and greedy not caring the consequences it puts on others or our society. As the saying goes, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Our system and the Lord allows us to have free will. How we use it defines us as a culture. The past two American generations are failing dismally. Wake up America!
LB: You hit a home run with those comments. What will be interesting is to watch how many people will come on here and try to refute what you wrote or attack you personally for writing it. By doing so they will only prove your point.
LB and RS right on the MONEY which the average person is running out of. You hit the nail on the head. You both could not be more correct. I am glad I have meet the both of you. You both are a ray of sunshine on a dark cloudy day.
It's now just past 6:00 p.m.
LB wrote a top notch post this morning around 8:30.
So far, two comments that agree with LB.
This posting shall be number 3.
If only there were a way to count the number of bloggers that read her post, know it's correct, but can't bring themselves to put it in print.
Yes is certainly is pretty pathetic that supposedly intelligent people do not understand the need for fiscal responsibility.
It is indeed interesting that no one ever has anything to say when it comes to the topic of holding the school disrict fiscally responsible.
Of course, if one goes down, they all go down.
And there sure are a lot of theys. (even though there is no such word, I'm sure everyone knows what is meant)
I also agree with LB, and I am one who some of you call a board supporter! LB had some excellent points! ...so do those of you who call for fiscal responsibilty. It is the personal attacks on the board members that some of you engage in that deeply disturbs me. A call for lower taxes and a healthy debate is one thing. Personal attacks are quite another! So, for those of you looking for a comment from a so called "pro-boarder," - there it is.
Thank you and it is appreciated, but I do have another question.
The school board are the very ones who make these decisions that directly affect every person's quality of living in this school district, and they, too have personally attacked some of those who ask the questions.
I have been subject to this, and I do not appreciate it.
And please do not think that this does not happen, because it does.
I would consider not allowing the public to see public documents and making it as difficult as they possibly can to get these public records a direct attack on a person.
Because of their desire to keep things quiet and out of the news, they make those who ask for this inforation jump through hoops to get it, and involve the solicitor who gets paid, to get his advice on whether or not certain things are public records, when indeed they do know that they are. This again, is a waste of taxpayers money, but yet it is blamed on those who ask the questions, and I do take it personally.
What things has the school board done lately to justify anyone to support them?
Is everyone aware that the school district has the power of eminent domain, and that there may be an issue with the track?
Was not aware of this track issue in the above blog. Can you explain more?
Yes, explain that new track information to all of us. Inquiring minds want to know. And so do the taxpayers that eventually foot the bill.
Evidently the solicitor is working on something regarding extra property that is needed for the track. This was mentioned at the property and transportation meeting where the bids were presented to the board, but not to the public, as usual.
The gentleman from the architect firm happened to mention it, and of course, nothing else was mentioned.
I'm sure the board was hoping that no one else picked up on it, but of course, as usual they were wrong.
Other than that, I know nothing.
Wouldn't it just be interesting if they had to displace a family to build this track? I'm sure it wouldn't stop them.
If the newest track twist is true, that the board must take a property, would the township officials and the township planning commissioner get involve. And if so, would the township be more open to laying out the facts, if the board is unwilling.
The only rumor I keep hearing is a problem between the water authority and the proposed site.
Forgive me for not having all the facts, not that anyone else does, but isn't this proposed track supposed to REPLACE the one we already have? And if that's true, isn't the one we already have on school property? Seems kind of strange that our school would need more land when the current properties are not exactly what you'd call crowded. Why is it that our board keeps getting into little projects that only give out part of the facts? Is this the type of thing that they imply that the actual facts are not the concern or business of John Q. Taxpayer? Well, guys, good ole Johnny is getting his fill of half truths and twisted facts. So, Cappa, care to "untwist" this one,. You're always ready to accuse Al of twisting facts. He's not been available for a while, so you're up the creek is that's your aliby this time.
WE WANT ANSWERS.
I do not know who else would get involved over eminent domain, but it does not sit well with me that the school board has the right to take taxpayer's property period.
This is just another example of what they think of the taxpayers.
We foot the bill for all of their whims.
I challenge the school board to deny this.
In exeter last year, I thought that they school district tried to take a farm for a new campus.
They started to take it, but the township refused to rezone the property from agriculture to commerial (school).
I think that all the property near the track would be residential, therefore, the township would have to get involved due to a zoning issue.
Just a guess.
Same thing with the Nextel Agreement.
Oley states they cannot tell us anything about this little agreement, yet it is available to anyone who wants to read about it on the FCC site.
Just go to FCC home page, put wireless in the search, then choose FCC wireless Telecommunications Bureau and on the right side under Licensing and click application search, at which time it will bring up a search bar.
In the first dropdown box, click call sign, and in the second box put in WND 478 which will then take you to the Oley application.
Click on file number which will take you to another page. Click on Admin and then scroll down to attachments and read the three attachments that were sent with the application. The school district has paid high-priced attorneys to complete this information, and there is a public interest statement.
How interesting, since the school board said that they could not say anything about what was going on with Nextel. However, the reason that it is a public record is in case there is opposition to it from any source, and Oley has hidden this from the public.
It was never explained to the taxpayers what they planned to do, and as usual, this was a BOLD FACE LIE.
When you read the attachments, and in particular the public interest statement, you will find that this is not even the Oley School District's information, but Oceanside Unified School District out in San Diego, California.
What they have to do with the Oley School District is beyond me.
I guess high priced law firms make $8,000 mistakes, but guess what folks, YOU PAID FOR IT.
The above listed information was informative and quite interesting. Why, then, did our board get away with repeated statements that the Nextel deal was something they were not allowed to discuss? Back in the old west, they had different rules for liars and cheaters. If you were lucky, they just sent you packing on the next stage coach out of town. There were few repeat offenders. It's not good to be associated with a group of habitual liars. Back then, if you had a brain, you went by the book. So much for progress....
By the book is correct. And this district is far from being correct on anything. How do they sleep at night? They are recking this district and now they will most likely want to take someones home from them. The word snake has not been used for a while but if you have anything better to call them please by all means let me know.
If one reads the "explanation of transaction and public interest statement referenced in the FCC application, one can fully understand what is actually happening. Nextel leases all the licensed spectrum of the EBS except capacity retained by the school district for educational use. It seems that the school district will be supplying high-speed internet access for the students (for the lap-top computers the taxpayers are going to buy for them).
As in any license process, one would assume there would be a public comment period.
As an off-shoot of this, Nextel will have the ability to deploy broadband infrasturcture more efficiently and develop wireless, interactive multimedia communications solutions for the area. I think you can interpret this to mean they (Nextel) are going to make money out of the deal.
Now is the time to bring this out for open discussion.
Well hopefully if this means money for Nextel, it will mean money for Oley.
I have not seen this documented in the budget, and I have not seen the track documented in the budget.
How are we going to pay for the track Mr. Richards?
Will we be receiving money from Nextel when we lease them our excess capacity?
If so, how much do you expect, or will this extraordinary amount of money show up at audit time again, with the excuse that you did not know the district would be receiving it?
How long do the taxpayers have to wait for your answers?
When will you figure out that we are on to you, and we will keep asking questions until we start to get the answers.
Have you folks learned anything yet?
When we ask the questions, we already know the answers, and we are just waiting to see what propaganda you intend to spread throughout the district.
WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR YOU TO BE TRUTHFUL?
"The word snake has not been used for a while but if you have anything better to call them please by all means let me know."
Human beings would be one idea, Mr. or Mrs. (or maybe Ms.) would be another... Some of your entries make me sick!
Human beings taken another human beings home, Thats it!!
Don't human beings possess a brain with some idea of how to use one?
"Snake" is, and has always been, a term used to describe a person (or group) which reverts to "low" tactics to achieve their goals. In other words:
not playing fair
not being totally, or even slightly honest
underhanded deals or moves
low-sneaky-not to be trusted
Well, for those that don't care for the term "snake", please be aware of the fact that the term only comes to mind when there is just cause. The taxpayers don't have anything up their sleeves. We are the givers. The board and their mentors are the ones that appear to be devious. If the board, their mentors, and the pro-boarders don't like being referred to as "snakes", they are the only ones that can do anything to change the image. Don't blame the OCC for creating that image. All we did was take notice to it.....and reach our limit.
Very nicely said!
Here we go with the name calling again. It doesn't matter what your perspective, when you resort to name calling, it demeans everything you have to say.
Can we get back to some intelligent debate here.
LB: Very well stated!
OK LB, but did you read the blog that the district might take someones house away for the track? What more can they do to the public of this district?
Every school district, municipality, state and county governments have the power of eminent domain. They don't "take" a person's home. They must pay fair market value for the property, it isn't confiscated.
That said, one of our fundamental rights that our forefathers fought and died for is the right to own property and do with it (within reason) as we see fit. The only time a governmental body should be able to declare eminent domain is if the project will benefit EVERY citizen such as building a highway, a dam or some other huge project. Sorry but I don't think a track and field falls under that catagory.
Before getting bent all out of shape, though, we should wait until we know whether or not this "rumor" going around is actually true or just that: a rumor.
It was mentioned at a meeting Russ then dropped quick. Some people heard this mentioned. I do not think it is a rumor. Time will tell again.
signed
sealed
delivered
Well, then, that certainly zipped the lips.
The restrictions have been lifted. Blog on!
School Board and Administration insinuate taxpaying public of this district STUPID in todays Reading Eagle B2 section. They want to put 1 percent on the ballot question to get more money not to make it easier for the public to understand. Cut me a break. In print they are calling the public taxpayers of this district STUPID.
I read in the paper this morning that the school board is going to vote to have a 1% Earned Income Tax increase on the May ballot. This is higher than the .9% minimum that the tax study commission recommended. They stated that 1% was easier for the voters to understand. I guess they consider the voters to be too stupid to know what .9% is opposed to 1%.
The commission made it .9% to send the message that we did not agree with Act 1 and, furthermore, in our recommendation, stated that the voters should reject the ballot question. I did not see where the board went along with that recommendation either. Under this plan, if approved, 70% of the taxpayers in the school district will end up paying more. Once in place it still doen't restrict the board from raising property taxes over the next several years to the levels they are now and even higher.
RS right again!!!
Very interesting happenings with the Board. When and where was the Wednesday night meeting publicized? Didn't even know there was one.
What gives here?
We want answers! The public must be notified of meetings. How come this happened? The board and administration are not to be trusted. This district has money put away that can be used for this 07-08 budget. We do not need and do not have to get a 1.35 mil increase. They are pulling our chains again. Do they think this is funny? It is not!
The Wednesday night meeting had been advertised and was also posted on the OVSD website. I knew about it but was unable to attend.
RS ok about the meeting but what do you think about this 1.35 mil increase? This school district has enough money put aside that we do not need to get another huge increase for the 6-7-8 year in a row. When is this district going to do what is right for a change? Years of going to meetings and asking questions and trying to hold this board accountable and now look. Here we go again back to square one. I think the board lives for this kind of monkey business. They need to get a life.
Give the taxpayers a break!!!
I understand there is a dinner party at the taxpayers expense, February 6, 2007, at the Sheraton-Berkshire Inn, hosted by we taxpayers, for the Oley Valley SD administration, school board, curriculum auditors and strings group, who will be entertaining prior to dinner. It is my understanding this is being paid for by a Federal Grant (the taxpayer's money no matter how you slice it).
As a marketing professional for nearly 40 years, I have planned and organized many business dinners. I KNOW what this party will cost. Furthermore, in American business, the CLIENT does NOT PAY to entertain the business provider... it is the exact opposite! The curriculum auditors are the ones who should be entertaining us out of their hefty retainers and expense accounts.
My husband and I believe this is a misappropriation of funds and an outrage!!! Consequently, we have contacted our U. S. Senators, U.S. Congressman, PA Representative and Senators, PA House Committee on Education and the PA Secretary of Education and OVSD Supertintendent, Dr. Jeffrey Zackon, to register our complaint. If anyone else feels the same way, please do the same.
Curriculum auditors???
God I hope that they recommend eliminating stupid things like eliminating the senior community service project and Yoga (which is a hindu religious act).
LB, you are right! The consultants should be footing the bill!
However, time to celebrate the best night of the school year. The elementary fathers get the chance to get all dressed up and take their daughters to a gala/ball, and teach them what they should expect, and nothing less, when they become old enough to date.
(PS: Not funded by the taxpayer's, so please don't complain!)
Another blatant misuse of our taxpaying dollars.
Of course the school district will state that this money is grant money, however, this money was supposed to be split in half, one-half paying for this Curriculum audit and the rest going to the education of our children, not to again FEED our school board, school administrators and supervisors.
Hey football folks, here is about $1200 of money that could have gone to your program.
Instead, Dr. Zackon, Dr. Stubits, and the remaining administrators and the supervisors and probably the administrative secretaries too, along with Mr. Heckman, Mr. Richard, Mr. Hannum, Mr. Cappa, Mr. Maloney, Mr. Madeira, Dr. Gotwals, Mrs. Bieber, and Mrs. McCarthy get a nice dinner, just to discuss an overview of what these auditors are or will be doing, along with being entertained by the High School Strings students.
Hopefully the spouses are not invited, because if they are, I will be attending also, so please contact me with the choices for dinner. Thank you.
There was some sort of meeting or something that went on in the summer of 2006 check run. Another $500 spent at the Sheraton for something or other. It was terribly miscoded in the check run, and I have to refer back and find out how it was coded for payment.
I recently became aware of the following: $70000/180 days = $388 per day for a union teacher (not counting obscene health and retirement benefits of about an additional $21000 per year.
Do you know that in a Berks County local school district a teacher can "buy" a non union substitute (at $90 per day)to cover for the "teacher's" lost days so that this "teacher" can abandon assigned students while taking an extended, none education related, trip in the middle of the school year. The teacher, not the school district, pays the none union "substitute" $90 per day while the traveling union teacher collects her $388 plus 30% benefits from the school district.
How can the teachers call it a union if the union member is willing to hire what any true union would call "scab" replacements? The school teacher union is merely a school board intimidation society which exists to extract the maximum amount of money from the taxpayers that the yes men and women of the school board graciously grant..
How can we continue to tolerate such school board idiots who sign union contracts which permit highly paid teachers to party in the Virgin Islands and at ski resorts while they, the vacationing teacher, pay their "substitues"?
If Oley does not have this procedure - thank Linda and RS. But, I suspect if one district has it - they all do.
Bet they sure like to keep this quiet!
I am going to tell everyone I know how to get a job that pays $388-$90 = $298 per day (plus medical and retirement based on the $388) while you party. Become a public school teacher in Berks County PA.
No football team, costs too much - our male students don't want sports scholarships, only the females are worthy.
Does anyone see any of this insanity other than me - and two or three other concerned citizens who attend school board meetings?
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